National Guard Back to Support US Youth Soccer

FRISCO, TEXAS(December 6, 2012) – US Youth Soccer, the largest youth sports organization in the nation, is pleased to announce their renewed partnership with the Army National Guard for 2013.

As part of the agreement, the National Guard will again be the presenting sponsor of the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series at the Regional and National Championship levels. The Series involves more than 185,000 players on 10,000 teams annually, and concludes at the US Youth Soccer National Championships with the crowning of 14 national champions in the Under-13 through Under-19 age groups for boys and girls.

"We are honored to have the opportunity to continue working with the National Guard," said US Youth Soccer Executive Director Jim Cosgrove. "Our successful sponsorship last year empowered our players and coaches to follow the Guard’s leadership and strength characteristics, and our 2013 US Youth Soccer National Championship Series will once again help showcase the Guard’s patriotic impression by exuberating American pride through our sport."

US Youth Soccer will also provide the National Guard opportunities to engage with players at select camps, and access the online education platform (education.usyouthsoccer.org) for leadership coursework as well as other US Youth Soccer programing and channels that promote the National Guard’s focus of leadership principles and development.

"The Army National Guard is happy to have the honor of presenting the regional and national levels of 2013 US Youth Soccer National Championship Series, showcasing the strength and incredible talent of the nation’s finest athletes," said National Guard SFC David Therrell. "This renewed partnership with US Youth Soccer allows the National Guard to inform players about benefits and opportunities that can help prepare them for their futures."

The Army National Guard is the oldest component of the U.S. Armed Forces with units dating back to 1636. During local emergencies, Guard units assist residents endangered by storms, floods, fires and other disasters. Guard companies deployed overseas may see combat, but are often found building schools and hospitals, training local peacekeepers or teaching local farmers more efficient techniques and better uses of their land. The incredible versatility of the National Guard enables its troops to respond to domestic emergencies, combat missions, counterdrug efforts, reconstruction missions and more—all with equal speed, strength and efficiency.

About the National Guard - The National Guard serves both state and federal governments. While Guard units are combat-trained and can be deployed overseas, they likely serve in their home communities—training just one weekend per month, and one two-week period each year. Whether the call is coming from the state governor or directly from the president of the United States, Guard Soldiers are always ready and always there.

About US Youth Soccer - US Youth Soccer - The Game for ALL Kids!® - is the largest youth sports organization in the United States and a member of the United States Soccer Federation, the governing body of soccer in the United States. US Youth Soccer registers more than 3 million players annually, ages 5 to 19, in 55 member state associations. US Youth Soccer programs provide a fun, safe and healthy environment for players at every level of the game.